CVE-2001-1355 in DMail
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflows in NetWin Authentication Module (NWAuth) 3.0b and earlier, as implemented in DMail, SurgeFTP, and possibly other packages, could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code via long arguments to (1) the -del command or (2) the -lookup command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1355 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the NetWin Authentication Module version 3.0b and earlier implementations. This security weakness affects multiple email and file transfer applications including DMail and SurgeFTP, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the authentication module's command processing functions, specifically when handling the -del and -lookup command arguments. These commands are designed to manage user accounts and perform directory lookups respectively, but fail to properly validate the length of input parameters, creating opportunities for attackers to craft malicious inputs that exceed allocated buffer boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully constructed argument strings that exceed the predetermined buffer limits within the NWAuth module. When the -del command receives an overly long argument string, or when the -lookup command processes extended input parameters, the application's memory management fails to properly handle the excess data, resulting in memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical program execution elements. This type of buffer overflow vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw demonstrates a classic stack-based buffer overflow pattern that can lead to arbitrary code execution, making it particularly dangerous for network services that process untrusted input from remote users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system compromise, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable versions of the affected applications. Attackers can exploit this weakness to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected service, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects multiple applications within the same ecosystem, amplifying its potential impact across different network services that rely on the shared authentication module. Network administrators face significant challenges in identifying and patching all affected systems, as the vulnerability spans across different software packages that may be deployed in various configurations. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be executed remotely through network-based commands, requiring minimal privileges and offering high potential for automated exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1355 should prioritize immediate patching of all affected applications to versions that include proper input validation and buffer management. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable services and deploy intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious command execution patterns. The implementation of input validation controls at multiple layers including application-level bounds checking, network-level filtering, and runtime application protection mechanisms provides comprehensive defense-in-depth. Security teams should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for authentication services and monitor for unusual command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of secure coding practices and proper memory management as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework under the execution and privilege escalation tactics. Organizations must also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable NWAuth module across their infrastructure and ensure that all patches are applied consistently across all affected systems.